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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to innovate and develop exciting new products for top brands.
- Company: Work with Unilever, a global leader in fast-moving consumer goods.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative culture that values innovation and impact on everyday lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in product development and a passion for FMCG is essential.
- Other info: Position located at the scenic Colworth Science Park, easily accessible by car.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are currently seeking a Senior Product Developer to work with our global FMCG client, renowned for brands such as Magnum, Carte d\’Or, Cornetto, Walls, and become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.
The position is based at our client\’s Research & Development facility, at Colworth Science Park, in Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire (MK44), accessible by car. It also houses our client\’s global centre of excellence in safety and sustainability sciences.
This is a full-time temporary role, Maternity Cover for 12 months requiring 37.50 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to £43,000 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.
The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.
JOB PURPOSE
The Magnum Ice Cream Company in Europe is large and highly successful. The EU Ice Cream Research Development and Innovation (RD&I) team is the driving force behind the creation and delivery of benefit-led, innovative ice cream products across our world-renowned global (e.g. Magnum, Carte d\’Or, Cornetto, Walls), premium (e.g. B&J, GROM) and regional (e.g. Cremissimo, Ingman, Evga, Cucciolone) brands. The team embrace agile innovation and are fully connected to countries and markets to land global, regional, and local projects in the markets.
The business reaches across all Ice Cream experiences from familiar in-home tubs, pints and mono portions and out of home scooping to global and local classics and kid\’s favourites.
In this role you will be the RD&I first point of contact in an area of the portfolio. You will lead projects in close partnership across functions (Marketing; Supply Chain; Procurement) as well as key (external) partners and suppliers (e.g. 3PM, Flavour and Ingredients suppliers). You will manage a portfolio of projects across innovation, quality, complexity and cost reduction. And will use your understanding of consumer and customer needs to shape and deliver brilliant, sustainable, product experiences.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Plan, organise and execute a variety of project types as assigned under guidance from line manager, working closely with RD&I experts from a variety of fields.
- Work closely with marketing teams in global, European and local country teams to define projects scope at start of projects.
- Use your creative talents to develop great products.
- Lead technical delivery of projects. This includes diverse topics such as product concept development; formulation design; lab and pilot plant prototypes; cost calculation; specifications; quality assessments; legislation compliance checks and claims assessments.
- Manage supplier relationships working closely with other functions such as Procurement.
- Lead and manage pilot plant and factory trials for prototype/product development.
- Write and manage specifications and systems data for the products you work on.
- Provide key updates for our Innovation Process Management and other relevant systems
- Develop selling stories and supporting Customer Development teams with sell-in meetings.
- Provide support and training for more junior members of the team.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
- European & local country Marketing Team
- Global & European Supply Chain (factories, planning, quality, etc.) and Procurement Teams
- Supplier/partner organisations
- Technical RD&I specialists (CTI, Processing, Packaging, Formulation, Nutritionist, Digital & Data)
- Other functional representatives including Finance, Legal, CMI and Quality
ALL ABOUT YOU
- Degree level qualification (or equivalent) and / or relevant experience in a technical discipline preferably in food technology or development.
- Experience of working cross-functionally and with third parties
- Experience of leading projects from brief to delivering in-market
- Passion for creative food product design and development
- Excellent communication and project management skills
- Attention to detail especially with experimentation, data recording and analysis
- Time management and priority setting
- Health & Safety
- European language skills are highly desirable
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
- Occasional short business-trips within Europe may be required.
Colworth Science Park working environment:
- 9 miles from Bedford
- 18 miles from M1
- Modern working environment in a beautiful, listed building
- Large green outdoor spaces
- Shuttle bus is provided from Bedfordshire area to Site.
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Senior Product Developer employer: Manpower
Contact Detail:
Manpower Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Product Developer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Unilever's product portfolio, especially the brands mentioned in the job description. Understanding their market positioning and recent innovations can give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Unilever or similar FMCG companies. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in product development within the FMCG sector. Being knowledgeable about emerging technologies and consumer preferences will demonstrate your passion and expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your previous work that align with the responsibilities of a Senior Product Developer. Highlighting relevant projects can showcase your skills and fit for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Product Developer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Senior Product Developer position. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and required skills, especially those related to FMCG and product development.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in product development and any specific projects you've worked on in the FMCG sector. Use keywords from the job description to make your application stand out.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only showcases your passion for product development but also demonstrates your understanding of Unilever's brands. Mention how your skills align with their needs and how you can contribute to their team.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a fast-paced environment like FMCG.
How to prepare for a job interview at Manpower
✨Know the Brands
Familiarise yourself with Unilever's key brands like Ben & Jerry's and Knorr. Understanding their product lines and recent innovations will show your genuine interest in the company and its market.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in product development, especially in the FMCG sector. Be ready to share specific examples of projects you've worked on that align with the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
In a fast-paced environment like FMCG, problem-solving is crucial. Prepare to discuss challenges you've faced in past roles and how you overcame them, demonstrating your ability to think on your feet.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the company's future direction. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
